ClassNK classes its first U.S.-flag ship

Owned by Schuyler Line Navigation Company, LLC (SLNC), Annapolis, MD, the 8,000 dwt vessel was built in 2008 by China's Nantong Mingde Shipyard and is classified as an Oil tanker and Chemical Tanker IMO type II & III, and will be operating in the U.S.-flag cargo preference service.

Russell Paret, President of SLNC said, "We are very pleased to be working with ClassNK as they have been knowledgeable and diligent in issuing class certificates for the MT SLNC PAX in the U.S. registry. Schuyler Line looks forward to continuing our relationship with ClassNK."

ClassNK was granted the authorization to carry out statutory survey for U.S.-flagged ships from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) in 2011 for Load Line (LL) and Tonnage (TM69). It was granted extended authorization on December 2012, enabling ClassNK to render a full range of services for survey and certification for the SOLAS, MARPOL and AFS conventions, as well as to perform ISM Audits on behalf of the United States flag administration. This service commenced with the classification of the MT SLNC PAX.

ClassNK opened its first U.S. office in New York in 1962. It says the classification of its first U.S.-flag ship is recognition of its solid reputation as a classification society in the US market.